Cameron's Expedition
Chapter Two – Signs of What's to Come
Disclaimer: Don't own TSCC
This story is set in The Future Cameron's Universe after Cameron's Revenge. It contains characters from my version of the TSCC universe starting with Cameron Grows Up.
Command and Control HK – Flying Due West…
Cameron watched John from her seat in the modified HK. Sitting next to her watching the terrain below pass by with multiple bandwidth binoculars was her husband. She watched in fascination as John looked back and forth between the incomplete maps TechCom's recon patrols had created and the real terrain below.
It was obvious to her how much John was enjoying the birds eye view as their small squadron cautiously made its way east.
"You like maps," Cameron monotoned.
"Every since I was a little boy," John replied. "It was one of the few constants I could count on you know. I would sit and look at them for hours and imagine I was traveling to all the interesting places on the map."
John looked up at Cameron and smiled at her for a moment before looking back through the viewing portal. "Make sure we are recording all this in every light spectrum. I want detailed maps of this area when we get back."
"John, that's the third time you have given me that order in the last 47 minutes and 28 seconds," Cameron reminded him. "All recording devices are working within design parameters."
Turbulence bounced the HK for a moment, reminding John why he preferred to be on the ground, particularly when flying in the cold, pitch-black sky of the post-Judgment Day world.
"Sir, we'll be coming up on Airbase S-14 in five. We'll be adjusting course to veer south by southwest in order stay outside of their known radar range."
"The General acknowledges," Cameron replied, not wishing to break John's reverie as he watched the ground move by below. Reaching into a satchel on the deck at her feet Cameron withdrew the most up-to-date map of the airbase since the heavy bombing raids launched following the failed attack by the hybrid forces occupying the former Skynet base.
She gently poked John with the corner of the map. "Here is the map you will want. It is the most recent we have."
Glancing back at his wife, John smiled at her thoughtfulness, trading maps with her. As he opened up the map and refolded it, John counted the number of seconds it would take Cameron to fold the map she'd taken from him back into its original shape.
"Your slowing down," he teased. "Took you nearly four seconds."
"I was noting the changes you penciled in," Cameron monotoned back, with just the slightest hint of irritation.
"Come look at this," John said softly. Cameron moved quickly forward, adjusting her optics as she viewed the old airbase as they approached.
"John," Cameron warned, "they have SAM's installed. Eastern European in manufacture, probably Czech or Russian!"
"Have they locked on with radar or laser," John shouted.
"No sir," the navigator replied. "Appears we caught them napping."
"Get me the Gunship," John ordered.
Within seconds he was patched through to the T-888 who served as the Gunship's Chief Gunnery officer.
"Any signs they are about to light up a rocket?"
"No, General. I have the crews in sight. They are definitely aware of us and ready to move into action. Their targeting radar is powered up but not emitting. I have air-to-ground missiles locked on target and the turret guns are manned. Awaiting your orders."
John nodded in approval. "They've seen us. Clearly they have improved their passive radar. They also don't want to engage us which is fine."
Cameron looked back at John with a look of disapproval on her face. "We should degrade their capability while we have the upper hand and the opportunity."
"No. We terminated the rogue T-800 who commanded the group who attacked us (see Cameron's Revenge) and destroyed their airborne capability afterwards. They have a right to defend themselves. It's obvious they don't want trouble from us."
The small squadron continued its flight to the east, giving the damaged base a wider berth.
An hour passed in silence with Cameron brooding over the missed opportunity to inflict more damage on an old enemy. Wilhelm and Catherine had weighed in on the subject as well, letting John know they agreed with Cameron.
Noticing John was no longer watching the terrain pass below, instead writing furiously in a notepad, Cameron focused her optics on the notes her husband scribbled down.
"Diplomacy lectures?"
Her outburst was rewarded with a stern glance from John as he looked over his new reading glasses. "Not every situation requires termination. You have to learn that."
"They attacked us," Cameron monotoned.
"And we successfully defended our selves, counterattacked, killed their T-800 commander and destroyed their air capability. The human Major in command now probably wants nothing more than to keep his personnel safe and stabilize their base."
"If we terminated them, there would no longer be a threat."
Her narrow, stubborn response elicited a sigh from John.
"And it would require we expend resources we can ill afford to allocate to patrol this area and keep it free of threats, possibly more powerful and aggressive threats than the one who currently occupies the base."
John pulled out the next map covering the terrain they were now flying over. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Cameron staring into the empty blackness with her head tilted to the right. He smiled, wondering if she would agree with logic. That an alliance with an enemy they knew and had defeated soundly might be of greater value than committing genocide."
"It is a logical concept," Cameron concluded. "So long as the Airbase S-14 force does not threaten us it does make sense for them to control the area until we decide otherwise. Their motivation to keep the area clear will be higher than ours and allow us to utilize our resources in other more critical areas."
"Would you like to lead the delegation to negotiate the alliance," John said with a grin. He was rewarded with a downward tilt of her chin and upturning of her eyes from Cameron as she frowned slightly.
"I'll take that as a no," John said, returning to his maps.
One Hour Later – Flying Due West…
"Sir, that's the Pacific Ocean," the pilot informed John.
"Take us out about five miles. I want to see if the weather conditions change at all over water," John ordered.
"Yes, sir," the T-888 replied in his monotone.
"Take us down as low as you think is safe, I want to accumulate as much data as possible. On our flight back in, take us up as high as you think safe. Same thing. We need to collect data."
As the HK flew over the shoreline and out over the dark waters of the Pacific, the turbulence immediately picked up, bouncing the HK about. After two miles of no relenting in the turbulence, John had had enough. Ordering the pilot to move to a higher altitude to avoid turbulence, John reclined his seat slightly, feeling a little green around the gills.
The squadron maintained its formation as it reached the five-mile mark and began to turn back to the mainland, climbing in altitude as it did so. With the turbulence showing signs of lessening, John relaxed his grip on the armrests of his seat.
"Sir, we have a missile launch."
"Climb immediately, deploy countermeasures and bring the Gunship into position," John ordered.
HKs were never meant to be maneuverable aircraft or fast, making them sitting ducks for most traditional manned aircraft and just about every anti-aircraft missile ever put into production.
"Missile has acquired us. Lock is on."
Cameron reached over to check John's parachute. She'd won that fight with ease. John simply did not feel like fighting her over every single safety precaution on the expedition.
"Fifteen seconds before impact you will jump. I will follow. Inflate your floatation device and lose your chute. I will acquire you as quickly as possible and tow you to shore."
"Relax, Cameron. The Gunship's turrets have dual 20 mm mini-guns. They will lay down a blanket of depleted uranium in the path of the missile. It won't be able to evade all of the projectiles in its flight path."
Placing his hands behind his head, John leaned back, exuding confidence he was right. Cameron fidgeted, clearly counting seconds.
"Sir, if you look out through the port viewing port you can see the tracers."
John and Cameron both unlocked their chairs and turned them 180 degrees. Red and green tracers filled the sky between the squadron of HKs as they climbed and the inbound path of the missile, broking the pitch-black darkness of the night. John and Cameron both started in surprise at the sudden fiery explosion as the missile exploded, lighting up the dark sky with red, white and orange bands of light for a few intense seconds.
"Sir, no damage. The other pilots indicate no damage as well, though Mrs. Weaver can be heard in the background on the Airborne unit's HK."
John chuckled out loud, "I bet she can."
"This," Cameron announced firmly with her arms folded across her chest, "is precisely why this was a bad idea!"
"No, this is why I agreed to bring the Gunship along with us. Classic pre-Judgment Day defense against an incoming missile, fill the air around the target with so many projectiles the missile has no chance of reaching its target." John smiled at Cameron. "See, it was your idea!"
John's words took much of the steam out of Cameron's assertive attitude. She reversed her seat and locked it back into place, ignoring John. Doing the same as his wife, John decided to let Cameron pout for a while. She was entitled.
"And now we know there is a submarine lurking out there in the pacific," he whispered to himself, concerned about the surprising development.
"Sir, we are back over the mainland and should pass north of Airbase S-14 by thirty kilometers."
"Noted. Make for the coordinates I provided you for the targeted end of the first leg of our grid pattern today. Once you are in the vicinity, began your search for a place to set the birds down. The mechanics will want to give everything a good once over and we need to eat and get some rest. That includes all of the Terminators. Two hours of maintenance, no exceptions. Even my beautiful wife needs her Terminator Sleep," John teased on the comm.
Cameron motioned for John to remove his earpiece and microphone.
"What Cameron?"
"After that stunt, Sexbot is will NOT be visiting tonight," Cameron hissed through clinched teeth.
Three Hours Later…
"Sir, that's as good a spot as we have been able to find."
"Fair enough, let the other pilots know and set us down."
"Absolutely not!" Cameron ordered. "Maintain altitude. I will deplane and do a ground search."
"Sir?"
"Do as the Commander says," John replied, sighing inwardly. Listening to the comm, John heard Cameron order Wilhelm and his recon squad to deploy and do a sweep. In less than a minute John watched Wilhelm and his men repel down a line into the darkness, outlined by the brilliant white light shining on the rope. Waiting on the ground already was Cameron and Lt. Dan.
In mere seconds the group vanished from sight shortly and the light was turned off, restoring the eerie pitch-black eternal night of the world they lived in. In ten minutes Cameron called, announcing the area was clear and pickets had been set. Settling down slowly in a triangle formation, the HKs landed, each with its main guns facing forward.
"We've landed sir."
"Time to stretch my legs," John announced, unbuckling and stretching. He made his way to the now open jumpdoor, just in time to see Hailey and Ruth vanish into the dark with the Old Man carrying Sammy jumping out right behind them. Taking his time, John turned to face the inside the HK while grasping the two railings that would guide him to the short ladder deployed outside.
Just as his feet touched the ground, John felt a light touch on his elbow. He turned to see Cameron looking at him, her face inches from his.
"Back on board," she commanded firmly.
"No! I want to feel solid ground beneath my feet. Besides, we'd planned on sleeping in tents. You know, camping?"
"It will be safer for you to sleep on the HK."
"Compromise, pitch our tent under the HK,, by the jump hatch."
Cameron frowned for a second, considering John's suggestion. "You are going to be difficult about this, aren't you?"
"Just as difficult as my pretty metal wife can be," John replied with a touch of sarcasm.
He watched his wife tilt her head for a moment. "You are using sarcasm."
"Yes, I am. Score one for the cyborg."
"I will consider it," Cameron responded. "I will sweep the area for any noxious insects or parasites. If there are none and the last patrol indicates the area is safe, I will permit it."
Without replying John kissed Cameron on her nose and made his way towards Wilhelm who was listening to Catherine. Evidently, the site he had selected for their tent did not meet with her approval.
Two Hours Later…
The fire burned with considerable heat, lighting the area in the center of the triangle the HK's had formed but no more. A cloud of misty steam hovered above the fire as the drizzling rain was converted to steam before it could reach the TechCom personnel surrounding the fire.
"So you had already picked out the spot you really intended to pitch the tent," John whispered.
"Yes. I figured Catherine was going to be difficult and insist I move the tent at least once, so it made sense. I didn't even erect the tent completely."
"Wise move," John laughed. "Who says you can't teach an older model Terminator new tricks."
Wilhelm grinned broadly in response, displaying his freakishly white teeth.
"Cameron thinks she manipulated me into agreeing to sleep under the C&C HK. I didn't care where we pitched out tent, so long as I slept somewhere other than in that HK's troop bay."
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"I knew Wilhelm believed I would make him move our initial location. The actual site he selected was perfectly acceptable, so I only complained the one time," Catherine confided to Cameron.
"Males are so predictable sometimes," Cameron agreed. "For safety considerations I wanted John to pitch our tent under the C&C HK. It was easy to manipulate him into making the appropriate choice. He thinks it was his idea."
The two female Terminators enjoyed their private joke, watching their husbands and children enjoying themselves around the crackling fire.
"I wish John Henry could have come. He needs to have more experiences like this," Catherine observed. "I think Savannah is close to deciding to set the hook with Lt. Dan. If I can just keep Wilhelm from terminating him."
"If you'd like, I can issue an order or protocol. I am still his direct report in the chain of command," Cameron offered.
"No, but thank you. I keep reminding him the good Lt. is an officer and in the airborne no less. He's a gentleman and well mannered. You know just how few officers there are Savannah's age I can say that about. Wilhelm will never agree to Savannah marrying an enlisted man, or even worse, a civilian. We do have standing to consider," Catherine mused.
"Catherine, I am hesitant to admit it," Cameron said softly. "John was right to order this exploratory trip. Our people do not spend enough time in the Wastelands exploring. Neither species was meant to live underground, at least for prolonged periods of time. I don't think I've seen John this outwardly upbeat since our migration from Los Angeles."
"Both species are curious by nature Cameron. It simply can't be helped. Regardless of the dangers, Terminators and humans have to explore and learn."
TechCom City – Reese Family Bunker…
"What a day," Sarah moaned as she toweled her hair dry, looking for tangles in the cracked mirror in their bedroom. "John and Cameron picked the perfect day to go on leave under the guise of a long distance exploratory patrol."
Not hearing Derek respond, she cast a glance over her shoulder at her husband as he lay in bed. The lecherous grin on his face explained his silence.
Raising her voice, Sarah spoke, "Hey, you! Eyes up here, NOT on my naked butt!"
"Ah, but what a lovely butt it is."
Wrapping the towel around her chest and covering her hips, Sarah gave Derek a dirty look.
"That's all you can think about. Have you heard a word I said?"
"Yes. It was a horrible day. The ventilator system in Central Park broke down. The irrigation system in Hydroponic Farms #4 and #5 went haywire and flooded. There were two fights at the school and Ellison caught a new T-800 and two refugees stealing from the scavenger's warehouse. John Henry reported we are nearly out of fiber optic cable so he won't be able to wire the two new tunnels until we get some more. So we can't open the two new dormitory areas."
Sarah put her hands on her hips and smiled at Derek playfully. "Okay, you were listening."
"Of course. Didn't I tell you, since Savannah implanted my new eye and the controls to my arm and leg, I can actually multitask." Derek laughed. "I can cheat. I pull down the HUD and replay what you said. I can just read it."
"Oh, you!" Sarah reached for the wet washcloth on the vanity and threw it at Derek, missing him. In the process, her sudden movement caused her towel to loosen and fall to the floor."
Derek sat up and grabbed Sarah around her waist and pulled her into his lap. In a few minutes Sarah was giggling and letting out the occasional squeal.
Somewhere in the Wastelands…
John watched his daughter and Ruth play with Cameron's long tresses in the light of the dying fire. She sat patiently while the girls experimented with different styles and braiding combinations. When the girls finally perfected a French braid Cameron called it quits, shoeing the girls off to their tent with a reminder of the time they were to stand watch.
Watching his wife stroll over in her boots and tight jeans made him smile. He never tired of watching her stroll when she knew he was watching.
"It is time for you to retire for rest," Cameron monotoned.
"So long as you retire for the evening with me," he teased.
"John, I really do have to patrol tonight. We are not in the safety of our bunker in TechCom City."
Frowning, John stood to make his way their tent beneath the C&C HK. Cameron fell in beside him, taking his right hand in her left.
"I will stay with you until you are asleep and resting properly," Cameron promised. "Then I really must patrol. The girls will have to be monitored as well."
Pulling up the small box in their tent to use as a chair, John sat down to pull his boots off while Cameron fastened the entrance to the tent. Tossing his jacket aside, John pulled off his t-shirt. Standing bare-chested when Cameron turned around, John took his wife in his arms, pulling close and kissing her. Resisting at first, Cameron gave in and kissed John back.
"I told you Sexbot was not playing tonight," she whispered.
"That's okay," John whispered in her ear. "I want my wife."
In the Wastelands – 0500…
Scanning the area, Cameron was pleased with the clean up done at the campsite. All personnel were accounted for and aboard their assigned HK. All traces of fire, waste, human or Terminator, had been buried to the required depth. The pickets were called in and hurriedly boarded their assigned HK. Cameron's final count matched up with the rosters.
She quickly climbed up the ladder of the C&C HK and the jumpmaster secured the hatch and boarding ladder. Making her way towards the viewing port, Cameron felt the HK begin to hover as it prepared to lift up above the dead trees surrounding the campsite. John was again viewing the landscape through his night-vision binoculars with his maps out.
Strapping herself into her viewing chair quietly, Cameron reached out and placed her hand on John's arm. She thought back to the small high school in the rural farming community when they first met. He had changed so much since she'd first rescued him all those many years ago. John looked over at his wife and smiled before going back to examining the terrain below.
"I love you, my General. You love me," Cameron said in her monotone.
John leaned back in his chair, setting his map in his lap while allowing his binoculars to fall to his chest and hang on its strap. Taking Cameron's hand in his own, John smiled at Cameron with his eyes, the crows-feet moving to communicate his happiness to her.
"I love you, my Commander, and you love me."
Reviews are always appreciated. If you liked this story, you might want to consider my other TSCC stories:
Cameron Grows Up
The Future Cameron
Cameron's Revenge
Cameron versus the Queen
Cameron versus Derek (short story)
Cameron: Fights Past and Present - A Collection of Short Stories
Cameron's Treasures (short story)
Cameron and the Black Bird
Cameron and John's Wedding
Who's the Boss?
The Storm Before the Calm